Azohara Hot spring
Hot Spring Overview
Asohara Onsen is a secluded hot spring located in the Kurobe National Forest in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture. This hot spring is situated in the heart of the Northern Japan Alps, along the valley of the Kurobe Gorge in an area known as "Shimonorouka" (Lower Corridor). The hot spring is managed by a mountain hut called "Asohara Onsen Goya" and operates only during the hiking season from mid-July to late October. A distinctive feature is its single concrete open-air bath, which operates on a time-sharing system between men and women (mixed bathing after 8 PM). This area has been designated as a "transportation difficulty area" by Japan Post, meaning mail delivery is impossible due to its remote location. Due to heavy snowfall in the region, the mountain hut is prefabricated and is disassembled every fall and reassembled in early summer the following year.
Hot Spring Details
Practical Info
Visit Log
Bath Types
Facilities
Access Information
Access to Asohara Onsen is extremely difficult, with two main routes:
From Keyakidaira Station on the Kurobe Gorge Railway via the Horizontal Trail, approximately 12km (about 4 hours on foot)
From Kurobe Dam Station via the Nippon Electric Trail, approximately 19km (over 6 hours on foot)
Both routes are advanced hiking trails with significant dangers. Due to its difficult access, it is sometimes called "Japan's most dangerous hot spring." Both paths include steep mountain trails, cliff-side passages, and sections with chains, requiring proper hiking equipment and experience. The operating period is limited to mid-July through late October each year. Before visiting, it is essential to contact the mountain hut to confirm trail conditions and operational status.
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About Secluded Rating
Access (Difficulty to Reach)
Over 1 hour walk
It is completely inaccessible by car and requires more than 4 hours of walking from the nearest station or bus stop.
Due to its location in a heavy snowfall area, the operating period is limited to approximately 3 months per year, from mid-July to late October.
The route is extremely challenging, making this a genuine hidden hot spring. I've rated it as Level 5.